Are you experiencing slow startup issues with your Windows computer or laptop? No need to worry. There are several troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the problem and get your device up and running quickly. Let’s dive in and discover the solutions that will have your computer starting up at lightning speed.
Solution 1: Remove Unneeded Startup Programs: Excessive programs launching at startup can delay the boot process. You can manage these startup programs by Opening the Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Navigate to the “Startup” tab—disabling or removing any unnecessary programs from the list.
Solution 2: Check for Malware: The presence of malware can hinder system performance. Utilise a trustworthy antivirus program to scan your computer and eradicate any detected threats.
Solution 3: Clean up Disk Space: A lack of disk space can affect system performance. Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to discard temporary files, unnecessary system files, and other clutter. You can do this by Pressing the Windows key and searching for “Disk Cleanup.” Select the drive you wish to clean (usually the “C:” purpose). Choosing the file types you want to discard and clicking “OK.”
Solution 4: Disable Visual Effects: Windows includes a variety of visual effects that can drain system resources. Minimising or turning off these effects can help expedite startup. This can be done by Right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “System.” Click on “Advanced system settings” on the left side. Under the “Performance” section, click on “Settings.” Choosing the “Adjust for best performance” option or manually turning off specific visual effects.
Solution 5: Update Device Drivers: Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause startup delays. Ensure your drivers are current by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using a driver update utility.
Solution 6: Disable Unnecessary Services: Services running in the background that aren’t necessary can hinder startup. To manage these services, Press the Windows key and search for “Services.” Open the “Services” application. Review the services and consider disabling or setting unneeded services to manual startup.
Solution 7: Perform a Clean Boot: A clean boot initiates Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, helping you identify a particular program or service causing the slow startup.
Solution 8: Check Hard Drive Health: A deteriorating hard drive can significantly impact startup performance. Use a disk diagnostic tool to check your hard drive’s health and replace it if required.
Solution 9: Upgrade Hardware: If your computer is older or has low system specifications, upgrading components such as the hard drive to a solid state (SSD) or increasing the RAM can significantly enhance startup speed.
Solution 10: Reinstall Windows: Consider having a clean install of Windows performed on your computer. This involves completely removing the partition and reinstalling the operating system from scratch, which can help to improve performance and stability.
Solution 11: Check for Disk Errors: Disk errors can hinder system performance, including startup speed. The built-in Windows utility called “Check Disk” (chkdsk) can scan for and repair disk errors.
Solution 12: Optimise Windows Power Settings: Windows power settings can influence system performance. Ensure your power plan is set to “High performance” to maximise system performance.
Solution 13: Disable Fast Startup: The Windows Fast Startup feature, which saves system state information to a hibernation file, can expedite startup. However, it may cause issues in some cases. Disabling Fast Startup might help.
Solution 14: Update Windows and Drivers: Updating your Windows operating system and device drivers can enhance system stability and performance. Make sure you have the latest Windows updates and driver versions installed.
Solution 15: Monitor Resource Usage: Use the Task Manager to monitor resource usage during startup and identify any processes or applications consuming excessive system resources. This information can help identify the cause of the slow startup.
Solution 16: Disable Antivirus Scans at Startup: Some antivirus programs conduct full system scans at startup, which can significantly delay the boot process. Check your antivirus settings and turn off any unnecessary startup scans.
Solution 17: Malware Scan: Run a computer scan with antivirus and malware programs to determine whether malicious software contributes to the problem. Antivirus programs Malwarebytes, Sophos or ESET should be sufficient for this task; however, Norton, Avast and AVG have been known to cause performance issues on some computers, so you may want to avoid using them if possible.
Solution 18: Defragment or Optimise Hard Drive: If you’re using a traditional hard drive (not an SSD), regular defragmentation or optimisation can help improve disk performance.
Solution 19: RAM Upgrade: Upgrading your RAM will increase your computer’s performance. As you install more programs and run more complex ones, having more RAM becomes increasingly important since it stores data for quicker processing.
Contact Verge Tech Solutions to revitalise your computer.
If you are concerned that your computer is running slowly and need help upgrading its hardware or cleaning up viruses/malware, contact Verge Tech Solutions. Reach out to us today to learn how we can breathe new life into your machine.
